Bethlehem Lutheran, in Twig/Saginaw, like many churches has experienced a dramatic decrease in attendance and participation since the start of the COVID epidemic.  Yet this decrease in attendance has not deterred this small and determined group of committed individuals from taking on important projects such as developing a pollinator garden! Thanks to the motivation and inspiration of our hard-working Vicar, Kristin Peterson, Bethlehem Lutheran in Twig, MN partnered with the EcoFaith Network of the NEMN Synod in the Summer of 2022 to be part of a church pollinator plot pilot project.

Vicar Kristin acquired seed from the EcoFaith Network, which included a variety of native species seeds.  She identified the right spot and recruited two members to break ground and till a 5x50 foot area that had previously been mowed. The tilling process reveal chunks of broken concrete and other construction/demolition rubble. However, this did not deter them from moving forward.  The good news is that pollinator plants do well in compromised soils.  After the area was cleared, kids from our summer Drama Camp program planted the seeds. 

Maintaining the area has been challenge.  Raspberries and non-native tansy and grasses have continued to invade the area. Currently, Bethlehem members are working to enhance what was previously planted with plants acquired from Shoreview Natives in Two Harbors, MN, in addition to seed acquired from the EcoFaith Network.  Developing and maintaining this pollinator garden takes time and stewardship of the plot.  Identifying a few committed individuals who will oversee the development  and maintenance of the project is important.  An ongoing challenge is to continually educate the congregation and community about the importance of not using chemicals to treat the lawn and surrounding areas.

Bethlehem is in its third year of being a Pollinator Sanctuary Congregation. Although small in congregation size, this faith community is committed to this project of tending God’s creation and providing a habitat for pollinator species!

Bob Gabres